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How temperature affects the Catalase enzyme

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to find out how different temperatures will affect the chemical reaction of the enzyme Catalase in hydrogen peroxide.

Hypothesis

At temperatures above 40°C, the enzyme will become less effective.

Scientific Terms

Enzymes, Catalase, hydrogen peroxide

Background

The enzyme Catalase

Enzymes are proteins that help a certain chemical process take place. Chemical reactions require a certain amount of energy to take place. In the presence of the enzyme, the amount of energy required for the chemical process to take place is reduced. This happens because the enzymes bond with certain substrates to produce the end products. The reduction in the energy level helps to make the process happen faster.

Catalase is an enzyme which is found in almost all living organisms. This enzyme helps to convert hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water.

Chemical activities that happen within the cell produces hydrogen peroxide, which is poisonous and can kill the organism. The presence of the enzyme catalase in the cell helps to quickly convert this toxic substrate into safer products of water and oxygen.